unknown, 9 strokes, radical 刂, rank #51334, Very Hard
荆
jīng
alternative name for the Zhou Dynasty State of Chu 楚國|楚国[Chu3 Guo2]
unknown, 9 strokes, radical 刂, rank #51334, Very Hard
jīng(jing1) T1
1thorns, brambles; surname
2chaste tree or berry (Vitex agnus-castus)
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March 24, 2026
荆(荊)jīng(jing1)
荆 (jīng) primarily refers to thorns or brambles, often associated with harsh or challenging environments. It can also denote the chaste tree, known for its medicinal properties, and serves as a surname in Chinese culture. The character is sometimes used to reference the ancient State of Chu during the Zhou Dynasty, highlighting its historical significance.
Strokes9Radical刂Frequency#51334DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the chaste tree (荆) is valued for its therapeutic properties, linking the character to health and wellness practices in Chinese culture. Additionally, the State of Chu plays a crucial role in Chinese history, known for its contributions to culture and philosophy.
Memory Tip
Imagine a jungle filled with thorny brambles (荆) that prick your skin. The character looks like a bush with pointed edges, reminding you of the painful thorns. 'Jīng' sounds like 'jingling' which you might hear when you step on these sharp plants while walking.
Meanings of 荆
jīng(jing1)
1thorns, brambles; surname
2chaste tree or berry (Vitex agnus-castus)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 荆
荆Simplified
荊Traditional
9Strokes
刂Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 荆
Podcast: 荆
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AI Study Notes for 荆
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a jungle filled with thorny brambles (荆) that prick your skin. The character looks like a bush with pointed edges, reminding you of the painful thorns. 'Jīng' sounds like 'jingling' which you might hear when you step on these sharp plants while walking.
Usage Notes
荆 is more commonly used in literary or historical contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words. It is often paired with terms like '荆棘' (jīng jí), meaning thorns, in discussions about obstacles.
HSK Study Tips
Although 荆 is not in the official HSK levels, it can be connected to HSK 4 vocabulary related to nature or plants. Focus on its usage in historical texts and literature, as recognizing its context will enhance comprehension.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the chaste tree (荆) is valued for its therapeutic properties, linking the character to health and wellness practices in Chinese culture. Additionally, the State of Chu plays a crucial role in Chinese history, known for its contributions to culture and philosophy.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 荆 with similar characters like 茭 (jiāo) which refers to a type of reed. Remember that 荆 specifically relates to thorns. Additionally, some learners might forget the correct tone, pronouncing it as 'jing' instead of 'jīng'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 荆
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Grammar Patterns of 荆
荆 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
理查德·张伯伦已经同意接拍《____棘鸟》的续集。
Richard Chamberlain has agreed to make a sequel to "The Thorn Birds".
Guiyang Jingzhou Prefecture is Han Zhen Zhongyang county to county.
5
这只狗在踏上一条有荆棘的小路时,伤了一只爪垫.
zhè zhī gǒu zài tà shàng yī tiáo yǒu jīng jí de xiǎo lù shí, , shāng le yī zhī zhǎo.
The dog hurt one of its pad when It'stepped upon a thorny path.
6
这只狗在踏上一条有荆棘的小路时，伤了一只爪垫。
zhè zhī gǒu zài tà shàng yī tiáo yǒu jīng jí de xiǎo lù shí， ， shāng le yī zhī zhǎo。
The dog hurt one of its pad when it stepped upon a thorny path.
Cultural Notes for 荆
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, the chaste tree (荆) is valued for its therapeutic properties, linking the character to health and wellness practices in Chinese culture. Additionally, the State of Chu plays a crucial role in Chinese history, known for its contributions to culture and philosophy.
Word Family of 荆
Words Containing This Character15
荆棘jīngjíbrambles荊棘
荆jīngchaste tree or berry (Vitex agnus-castus)荊
荆州Jingzhou prefecture-level city on Changjiang in Hubei荊州
披荆斩棘to break through hardships披荊斬棘
紫荆Chinese redbud (Cercis chinensis)紫荊
负荆请罪fig. to offer sb a humble apology負荊請罪
荆门Jingmen prefecture-level city in Hubei荊門
荆轲Jing Ke (-227 BC), celebrated in verse and fiction as would-be assassin of King Ying Zheng of Qin 秦嬴政 (later the First Emperor 秦始皇)荊軻
荆州市Jingzhou prefecture-level city on Changjiang in Hubei荊州市
荆江Jingjiang section of the Changjiang River 長江|长江, Hunan荊江
荆门市Jingmen prefecture-level city in Hubei荊門市
荆山Mt Jingshan in Hubei荊山
荆州区Jingzhou district of Jingzhou city 荊州市|荆州市[Jīngzhōushì], Hubei荊州區
问荆field horsetail (Equisetum arvense)問荊
荆棘载途lit. a path covered in brambles荊棘載途
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 荆棘 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 荆
In modern usage, 荆 typically refers to thorns or brambles, often used metaphorically to describe difficulties.
Yes, 荆 is also a common Chinese surname, and it may appear in historical texts or genealogies.
荆 is pronounced as 'jīng' with a high level tone, similar to the English word 'jing'.
